The buildup to war

His eyes no longer held their usual sparkle; he looked more like a "walking corpse."

"Impure World Reincarnation... Did that technique succeed?"

Don't ask questions you shouldn't!

"Understood!"

Ignoring the Ninja's question, Danzo slowly said, "From now on, the Root organization will head towards the Land of Grass, where we will establish a new base."

"A new base? But Danzo, our current manpower..."

The tall, muscular Root Ninja frowned slightly upon hearing this.

He looked at the remaining forces behind him; the once numerous Root forces now numbered less than thirty.

Regarding manpower... I have naturally made preparations.

As the words fell, countless White Figures slowly emerged from the ground.

"What, what exactly is that...?"

The Root Ninja swallowed hard, looking as if he'd seen a ghost.

The group of White Figures all wore mocking expressions, some even making faces at the stunned Root Ninja.

"It's all for—" Shimura Danzō coldly, "To seize the Eyes of the Blue Sky...!"

◇

The weather is sunny, making it a perfect day for a walk.

Eiji and Kushina walked along the bustling streets of Konoha, and the villagers who passed by would smile at them and greet them warmly.

This was certainly not because the villagers' Will of Bullying had dissipated; it was simply because Kushina had been in Konoha for so long that her identity was already known to the entire village. If they dared to bully her now, they would only be asking for trouble.

Another reason is that Eiji became famous overnight during the attack on Konoha by Kumogakure, thus becoming a true powerhouse in the Shinobi World.

His amazing performance earned him people's respect; in the Shinobi World where strength reigns supreme, power is the only justification.

As for why the powerful Naruto Gaara were bullied, it's because they were too sweet; Eiji had plenty of strength and means.

Another reason is the phrase Hiruzen Sarutobi uttered in desperation—

"Think like the Hokage!"

Isn't that clear enough? Anyone with a brain knows what it means: Ryuuzaki Eiji has become a strong contender for the Future Hokage position.

Although it's not a done deal.

However, despite his young age, he possesses the strength to defeat the Kage of a village, is recognized by the current Hokage, is a disciple of Princess Tsunade, is valued by Mito Uzumaki, the wife of the First Hokage, and is also of commoner origin.

All of these points combined make it impossible not to believe that Ryuuzaki Eiji is the Future Fourth Hokage!

Kushina Uzumaki, who was always inseparable from Ryuuzaki Eiji, was undoubtedly the Future Hokage's wife.

The consequences of offending the Hokage's wife are self-evident.

I heard that Eiji had a stellar reputation at the Ninja Academy, beating all those who spoke ill of Kushina into a wall so badly they couldn't be pried out. When he becomes Hokage, won't he take revenge?

The Barbecue Restaurant was packed with people today, and most of the customers were Ninja.

Konoha's troop reinforcements towards the Land of Rain are still ongoing. Most of the capable Ninja have already been sent to the battlefield, and Hatake Sakumo, who was already famous in Konoha, was sent to the border of the Land of Fire a year ago.

Those who were slightly weaker were left in Konoha to do some logistical work, but they might also be sent to the Frontline to fight due to manpower shortages.

Putting aside the unlucky idea of having a barbecue as a last meal before death, it's at least a way to wish for good luck.

Eiji used Iron Tongs to pick up a piece of fatty beef and place it on the Grill, and the slice of meat immediately made a "sizzle--" sound.

Smoke rose, and the aroma of meat wafted through the air.

Before long, the Grill was filled with grilled meat by Eiji, but Kushina, sitting opposite him, was also devouring it at a fast pace, almost matching his grilling speed.

"I'm saying, are you sure it's okay for you to eat so much...?"

"Relax, relax! We're Ninja, this level of exertion won't make us fat."

Kushina waved her chopsticks and said in a nonchalant tone.

Then her gaze turned stern, and she pointed her chopsticks at Eiji's face, almost shoving them at him. Eiji reflexively leaned back.

"As for you, how many times have I told you not to associate with Jiraiya -Eiji senpai? Why won't you listen, Eiji!?"

"I think you, Kushina, have a misunderstanding about Jiraiya- senpai. He was a pretty strong ninja..."

"His abilities don't matter! I'm talking about his character, his integrity!"

Kushina put down her chopsticks and crossed her arms over her chest.

"That lecherous bastard is always flirting with women, he's so frivolous. Eiji, I'm worried you'll become like him after spending so much time with him!"

Kushina talked on and on, scratching her head and chattering away.

"Ugh, this makes me so angry! Would a normal person peep into Women's Bath? This person is hopeless. How can someone be so shameless? It's even gotten to the point where the Bathhouse owner is going to file a complaint!"

Kushina didn't want her Future friend to pick up bad habits.

The inherently evil white-haired Zhong Deng, I will personally...

Eiji was speechless; indeed, this behavior had crossed the line, and Jiraiya truly deserved to be scratched in the face by those women.

"You heard what happened, Jiraiya- senpai is about to go to the battlefield, and so is Tsunade- neechan. The Ancestral Home will soon be deserted."

"... yes."

Kushina seemed a little dejected, but she quickly cheered up.

She kept her arms crossed, nodding as if convincing herself, "But there's nothing we can do about it; it's a big deal for the Village!"

She's so strong. An ordinary girl might have been heartbroken for a long time, but that's Kushina.

Eiji's eyes darted around as he pondered how to phrase his next words in a way that would convince Kushina.

But Kushina seemed to sense that he had something to say and spoke first.

"Eiji, you want to go to the battlefield too, don't you?"

Kushina stared intently at Eiji's face, her serious gaze forcing Eiji to meet her eyes.

"... Yes, that's right, I want to go to the battlefield with Tsunade."

This is something I can't escape; I have no choice but to be honest.

"Do you really have to go?"

"You absolutely must go; it's something you have to do."

Kushina stared intently at Eiji's face, and after a moment, she broke into a bright smile.

"Then cheer up! You don't think I'm going to be really angry, do you?"

"Won't you?"

Eiji scratched his head; he was prepared to get a beating.

Of course, this situation cannot be allowed to proceed Limitless, otherwise it would be truly excessive.

"Hmm... I'll get angry if you insist on saying it, since you never tell me anything, Eiji! But you don't think you're hiding it very well, do you?"

"Oh, so you already knew?"

"Seriously! I'll get angry if you treat me like an idiot!"